Our panel of football contributors have put their heads together and picked the two most intriguing games for each week of the regular season. Trust us when we say that it wasn't easy picking just two games because there are many that didn't make our list. These are the games that standout for a bevy of reasons. Ranging from longtime rivals to simply revenge games.
So here are the marquee matchups for the upcoming season.
Week 1: Ironton @ Wheelersburg
The Pirates pulled off one of the biggest upsets last fall with a 17-14 come-from-behind win over the Tigers in the playoffs. All eyes will be on the Fighting Tigers to see if their highly touted roster can deliver a big win early for the Tiger faithful to start the year.
Portsmouth West @ Fairland
Last year’s game proved to be a classic as the Dragons came away with a 28-27 win. With high expectations and returning experience, the Senators look to secure a big early season victory in Proctorville.
Week 2: Ironton @ Jackson
It took a miraculous kickoff return by the Tigers as time expired to decide last year’s game. The Ironmen will be looking to get some measure of revenge at Alumni Stadium for their home opener.
Russell @ Raceland
The Red Devils have had the Rams number in recent years, winning the last three games and outscoring them 110-39. However, the Rams are locked and loaded with the area’s most experienced team and seeking revenge at Ram Stadium.
Week 3: Ironton @ Fairland
Last year’s overtime thriller saw Ironton use late game heroics for a second consecutive week as the Tigers came away with a win. The Dragons look to get the upper hand with an early season victory for the OVC title.
Portsmouth @ Spring Valley
A trip to West Virginia will prove to be an early measuring stick for the Trojans as they gear up for conference play the following week. The Timberwolves will be looking to build on their 9-3 record from a year ago and prepare for Mountain State Conference play.
Week 4: Johnson Central @ Ironton
In what might become a “Skill and Finesse” vs. “Strength and Power” matchup. The Golden Eagles will be bringing their brand of “Mountain Ball” across the river in a midseason test for both teams. Ironton will be looking to get one final major test before heading into the rest of their conference games.
Raceland @ Fort Thomas Highlands
The Rams make a trip to Northern Kentucky to face off against largest school that’s ever made it onto their schedule. The Bluebirds have seen hard times lately, but this 5A school will be a formidable test for the Rams.
Week 5: Waverly @ Johnson Central
Almost a carbon copy of the Ironton game in the prior week, this matchup will feature a “Spread Offense” vs. “Power Offense”. The Tigers will make a trip into the mountains as one final test with cruicial SOC matchups on the horizon.
Jackson @ Wheelersburg
Jackson’s defense stuffed the Pirates on a two-point conversion play to secure a 21-20 victory in an overtime thriller last season. The Ironmen will travel to Ed Miller Stadium to close out a tough non-conference slate. The Pirates will be in search of a large sum of computer points to keep pace for the top spot in Region 19.
Week 6: Waverly @ Portsmouth West
The Tigers were able to use their offensive firepower to cruise past the Senators last season. With a stockpile of returning players, the Senators are looking to notch their first victory over Waverly since 2017.
Symmes Valley @ Green
In a complete role reversal, the Bobcats are the team with the retuning experience. The Vikings are the team replacing their ranks with new faces. This could the formula for a big showdown in Franklin Furnace.
Week 7: Gallia Academy @ Coal Grove
Last season, the Hornets stunned the Blue Devil home crowd with a convincing 35-24 victory. Gallia Academy will look to their increased roster numbers and renewed optimism to exact their revenge in Coal Grove.
Elizabethtown @ Ashland
Two short years ago, these two teams met in the Class 3A state championship game with the Tomcats winning the hardware in Lexington. Last year, Ashland went on the road and walked away with a 35-28 victory. This year could continue the trend as the Panthers visit Putnam Stadium.
Week 8: Fairland @ Portsmouth
It took a stop on a two-point conversion play for the Dragons to defeat the Trojans 15-14 last year on a wet and muddy night in Proctorville. This both teams face off on the turfed field of the Trojan Coliseum and could give way to an offensive explosion.
Wheelersburg @ Waverly
Last year’s game turned out to be one of top games of 2021 as the Tigers came out a 21-14 winner. This year could prove to be the same scenario as the game could decide the SOC II title.
Week 9: Russell @ Ashland
The last time these two teams played, an offensive clinic was put on display as the Tomcats outlasted the Red Devils 52-42 in the opening round of the playoffs. This season’s edition should feature a battle for the district title at Putnam Stadium.
Coal Grove @ Fairland
Opposites could attract in this match up as the Hornets like to run the ball and the Dragons like to throw the ball. Second level playoff points could be the biggest prize to the winner of this late season match up.
Week 10: Ironton @ Portsmouth
Up until last season’s playoff match up, this series was lopsided in the favor of the Tigers. However, with a lot of experience returning and cautious optimism, the Trojans are looking to give a last season challenge to the Tigers.
Northwest @ Symmes Valley
These two schools met in the final week of the 2021 regular season to decide the SOC I title. The game turned out to be an exciting one, as the Vikings came out on top 15-13. These two should be deciding the SOC I again this season.
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